Fusion of family, faith and bluegrass

Mention The Wilson Family Band around anyone who's had the opportunity to hear them and the response is broad smiles, nodding heads, and enthusiastic comments. "You should hear that little Katie sing!" "Young Clint is developing into a phenomenal talent!" "Did you see the look of pride on Robert's face?" "Each time we hear them, they keep improving!" "The Wilson Family really knows how to entertain." In the Southeast their reputation expands with each performance whether it's at a festival, restaurant or church. People are impressed by the whole package - music, family commitment, faith and, perhaps most of all, genuineness.

Robert toured the east coast with River Grass Revue in the 80's, achieving some modest success. He plays very strong rhythm guitar and has a very fine, slightly gravelly baritone voice, which carries the family's vocal performance and blends well with his two children in the trios. His folksy manner brings an audience right into the middle of this family. Seeing his obvious pride and love as he watches daughter Katie and son Clint beside him on the stage moves everyone who sees this band. After 3 years of performing together as a band, his leadership shows in the way they've jelled and in his eagerness to transfer the emcee role to his eighteen year old son Clint.

Melissa, wife and mother, provides a quiet and steady presence, both on and off the stage. Her work on mandolin has always been distinguished by a strong chop. Meanwhile, her mandolin breaks have grown increasingly strong. Her mellow sounding instrument and steady play provide depth and texture to the band. Perhaps as important to this family is the glue she provides in a family setting. Keeping the family fed on the road, managing behind the scene details, on overseeing the many tasks of a serious touring band, she's always present and in charge.

Clint is a nineteen year old college freshman in Waycross, Georgia who commutes to school while making a major commitment to growing himself as a musician. Clint's voice continues to improve almost as fast as his very fine musicianship. Four years ago Clint was a budding banjo picker. Now, he has achieved a high level of performance on it, but also plays mandolin and guitar on stage. He plays bass very well. His work as emcee during the family's performances has become sure handed and amusing. Clint has found a new passion for songwriting. He has developed this craft into a well honed skill.

Katie has been a star since she was 10 years old. Her performance on the fiddle has become increasingly inventive and mature as she grows into this very difficult instrument. Top fiddlers like Becky Buller and Aubrey Haynie have taken an interest in her development. Her voice has begun to grow as she matures and shows promise of becoming a fine bluegrass instrument. While functioning as a performing musician, Katie is also a real teenage girl. She's completing 7th grade and plays on her school golf team. During rehearsals, she's never far from her cell phone, texting while she fiddles and sings. Her songwriting continues to contribute significant content to the bands repertoire.

Blake Gowen has recently joined the band on bass. He is Robert's nephew. While leading the life of a busy 9th grader, he manages to get to the family's home in Folkston for rehearsals and travel with the band. While he's new to the bass, he has shown early promise. Blake is also very active in his high school marching band. He is a star trombone player and hopes to march in the University of Georgia band one day. This love keeps him away from The Wilson Family Band in the fall. When he's not available, Kalyn Hall substitutes with skill and enthusiasm.

Solid family values provide the glue the keeps The Wilson Family Band's feet firmly planted in home, school, church and music. The single, "Family Ties", from their latest CD, captures the strength of this bond. This is a family that lives its values at home and communicates them through their music in the lyrics and in their musical performances.